Casey Stoney

Casey Stoney - England Defender - World Cup 2007
squad no. 3

club: Chelsea
position: full back
age: 25
caps: 45
goals: 2

USA 0-3: Football England Rating 6

Stoney was solid enough at left back once again and justified her selection ahead of Rachel Unitt throughout.

Argentina 6-1: Football England Rating 8

Stoney was dominant in her few bits of defensive action and offered an attacking outlet despite playing on her weaker side at left back.
Crossed from the right for the opening goal and sent in a few really dangerous set pieces. Also came close to scoring from a corner.

Germany 0-0: Football England Rating 7

Casey had a few problems but this was understandable as she was marking the liveliest German forward in Kerstin Garefrekes and overall she can be more than pleased with her effort.
Strong in the tackle and good in the air Stoney stuck to her task well although her worst slip allowed Germany their best chance of the night and could have even resulted in a penalty for handball.
Playing on the left prevents Stoney from really getting forward to any degree but her defensive qualities justify her selection ahead of Rachel Unitt.

Japan 2-2: Football England Rating 6

Stoney is certainly a reliable defender and did all that was asked of her here.
She is hamstrung in an attacking sense playing left back, however, and rarely ventured forward.

Assessment:

Stoney is a strong, powerful full back with a jarring tackle. She is also capable coming forward and can deliver an excellent cross into the box.

Stoney is very right footed but was played on the left side of defence last season in the absence of Rachel Unitt and the fact that she has been given the no. 3 shirt in the squad numbers suggests she might now be considered first choice in that position by Hope Powell.

The World Cup will be a massive test for her if she is asked to play on the left side of defence.

Check back here for Football England's Assessment of Casey Stoney's Performances and News.